Mandela 'one of the most remarkable world leaders'

Nelson Mandela was "one of the most remarkable world leaders" of the last century, the Dean of Westminster has said.

Speaking ahead of a memorial service for the late South African President, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall announced a ledger stone will be placed in the abbey later this year:

Nelson Mandela was one of the most remarkable world leaders of the last century. His remarkable constancy under suffering stand as an example to everyone.

In addition, his capacity for forgiveness and his generosity of spirit show what humanity at its best can achieve.

His memorial in Westminster Abbey, justified in itself, standing amongst memorials to many of the greatest men and women of the world, not all of them British, will also prove to be a focus of contemplation and prayer for the gift of forgiveness and reconciliation in many communities and places in our troubled world.